This National Science Foundation (NSF) Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074) Project Grant award of $107,197 to North Dakota State University (NDSU) is aimed at investigating the impact of wildfires on soil microbial communities and agricultural recovery in western North Dakota. The research will track microbial composition, functional gene activity, and soil health across burned and unburned agricultural, rangeland, and unmanaged ecosystems over three critical time periods following the October 2024 wildfires. By integrating high-resolution microbial and biochemical analyses, the study will provide insights into ecosystem recovery dynamics to inform sustainable land management strategies and guide post-fire recovery efforts that protect soil fertility and mitigate nutrient loss, ultimately benefiting local and national food security. The project will run from March 1, 2025 to February 28, 2026.